The City of Pueblo Wastewater Department (CPWD) announced Thursday morning that an unplanned release of untreated sewage entered the Arkansas River near Confluence Park. The incident was reported to state officials and to the public within hours of discovery.
What happened
CPWD officials said a sanitary sewer pipe located inside a storm‑water conduit developed a hole that had been temporarily patched with concrete years ago. Over time the concrete seal failed, allowing raw wastewater to escape into the storm‑water pipe and then flow directly into the Arkansas River. The breach was identified early Thursday and the flow was stopped by 11:45 a.m.
Public health advisory
“We need to notify the public of the untreated discharge issue in the Arkansas River so that water users, recreation individuals and more can avoid the area,” said Andra Ahrens, Director of Wastewater, in a press release. The department recommends that anyone planning to fish, kayak, or otherwise use the river downstream refrain from doing so for the next 48 to 72 hours, and to continue exercising caution through Monday, Aug. 31.
Officials warned that untreated sewage can introduce harmful bacteria into the water, posing risks to both human health and local aquatic life. The contamination could affect the river’s ecosystem if not addressed promptly.
Impact on nearby communities
The advisory applies to residents and visitors in the downstream communities that rely on the Arkansas River for recreation and water‑related activities. While the city has not listed specific towns, anyone using the river between Pueblo and the downstream stretch should stay clear of the water until further notice.
Response and prevention
City engineers are inspecting the affected pipe and evaluating long‑term repairs to prevent a recurrence. The incident underscores the importance of regular infrastructure maintenance, especially for aging sewer systems that serve both public health and environmental stewardship goals.
CPWD will continue to monitor water quality and will issue updates as the situation evolves. Residents with concerns are encouraged to contact the department directly.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
